Vineyards

Although the Del Dotto story begins on our Rutherford Estate, it has expanded to include seven other specially selected sites.

Currently, it consists of 437 acres with 121 acres planted with varietals including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese. It took 18 years to find the ideal sites to cultivate each individually selected grape clone and to maximize the terroir flavors in the wine. Each vineyard is organically farmed, with no sprays or chemical fertilizers in use, and all weeding performed by hand. The plants are meticulously tended by professional vineyard workers in order to maintain the quality of crop that has built the Del Dotto reputation.

Rutherford Estate Vineyards

Rutherford Bench Appellation

Our original Estate vineyard consists of 12 acres which were replanted in 1990 with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sangiovese. With consistent 92-94+ point ratings, this vineyard beautifully showcases the earthy characteristics that make Rutherford famous. Currently, each of these varietals is available to the general public. In addition, two blends are available to our VIP Members in limited quantities: our Giovanni’s Tuscan Reserve, a Super-Tuscan style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, and our Rutherford David, a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

Vineyard 887

St. Helena Appellation

Located on the south end of the St. Helena Appellation, 887 is one of the highest rated vineyards in Napa Valley. This beautiful vineyard consists of nine acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, planted in 2000. This vineyard shows the typical St. Helena characteristics of lush, fruity berries, with easily accessible tannins on the palate. The inaugural vintage was in 2004, and by 2006, it was receiving 94-95 point ratings from Robert Parker.

Howell Mountain Vineyards

Howell Mountain Appellation

At an elevation of 1400 feet, this vineyard truly highlights the terroir of Howell Mountain, characterized by white chalk. Consisting of clones transplanted from our Rutherford estate, it features ten acres planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The wine presents a massive, rich, full-bodied mouth feel with an earthy chocolate finish. Receiving consistent 92-95 point ratings, it is considered one of the top vineyards in the world. Currently, these wines are only available in very limited quantities to our VIP Members.

St. Helena Mountain Vineyard

St. Helena Appellation

Nestled against the Mayacamas Mountains on the west side of St. Helena, this vineyard features ten acres of Cabernet Sauvignon which exudes creamy vanilla bean and cassis characteristics, along with silky tannins and a long finish. Receiving 94-97 point ratings from Robert Parker, this is our highest rated vineyard available for tasting to the public.

Sonoma Coast Cinghiale Vineyard

Sonoma Coast

The “Cinghiale” (Italian for Wild Boar) Vineyard is named for the frequent inhabitants of the property, and was purchased in 2005. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it consists of 359 acres at the top of King's Ridge in the Sonoma Coast appellation, and is planted with 43 acres of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. In an effort to highlight the award-winning terroir, it features a variety of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones with lineages hailing from the top vineyards in Burgundy, as well as select top-rated clones from its neighbors in California.

Spring Mountain Vineyard

Spring Mountain Appellation

From our Spring Mountain Vineyard we receive approximately 300 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon annually. Sitting on the steep slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, and bordering Sonoma County, Spring Mountain is the coolest and wettest appellation in Napa Valley. Although vineyards have been grown in the region since the Civil War (it is the oldest wine region in Napa!), it is one of Del Dotto’s newest vineyards, and its vibrant and rich history is reflected in the beautiful Bordealaise-characteristics of the wine.

Oakville Vineyard

Oakville Appellation

The newest vineyard to be added to the Del Dotto legacy, our Oakville property contains 8.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. Named Piazza Del Dotto, it will be the site for Del Dotto’s newest tasting room wonderland. Consisting of well-drained gravel soil, the cabernets from this property showcase a beautiful herbaceous characteristic reminiscent of those from the nearby To Kalon vineyard.

Villa Del Lago

Napa Valley Appellation – Pritchard Hill

Our sister winery Villa Del Lago consists of 20 acres of Cabernet planted on Pritchard Hill. Although not technically its own AVA, Pritchard Hill is home to some of the world’s finest cabernet vineyards, and can be found above Lake Hennessey in St Helena. Yielding only 1/3 ton of grapes per acre, and only using free-run juice, the Villa Del Lago cabernet is known for its concentrated flavor. Showing flavors of caramelized sugar, chocolate, and lush mountain fruit, this wine can be drunk now or for the next 20 years. Currently, Villa Del Lago is only available in very limited quantities to our VIP members.